Tellus360: Serving Up Music and Art in Lancaster

For me, Tellus360 kinda came out of nowhere. One day, about a year and a half ago, someone asked me if I had stopped over at Tellus 360 yet. “Tell what?” I replied. I had no idea what she was talking about at first. Out of curiosity, I stopped by their East King St. location and was amazed at the interesting diversity of products in the store, including beautiful re-claimed wood products, from furniture to the electric guitars hanging in the front window. It all seemed very environmentally aware, and that was cool, but I’m not much of a shopper so I left without thinking much more about it.

Photo by Chetroy Productions

The Districts at a sold out Tabletop Session in December 2012

Fast forward a few months and I caught wind of some monthly concerts spinning up at Tellus. They were branded "Tabletop Sessions" and sounded like something that would be right up my alley. I finally made it to one back in January 2012 that featured Lancaster’s Leticia Joy and Jessica Smucker, and Pittsburgh touring artist Joy Ike. The front room of the store had been transformed into a quaint listening room for the evening and the community responded. The place was packed and filled with great energy. Attendees were invited to bring their own adult beverages and a snack to share. It had the feel of a house concert, but in a store. And that’s not easy to achieve.

According to the Tellus360 website regarding the Tabletop Sessions, "Our goal is to highlight up and coming music that has a heart and a soul, to be inclusive to all kinds of music and musicians and to highlight musicians who sincerely believe in their music. Tellus360 is a venue where everyone can come and truly appreciate quality music." Mission accomplished!

They also opened Gallery360 in the back section of the building where they "strive to bring thought provoking contemporary work to Lancaster’s ever growing art community." The gallery was created as a place of inspiration for artists and visitors with the hopes of being a catalyst for conversation. The Gallery360 website states, "We believe that Lancaster, Pennsylvania is on the path of unlimited artist growth and we want to continue in that tradition in a whole new way."

The current exhibit at Gallery360 is Sarah Butzer's photography show By Nature in Black and White which runs until February 16. Sarah Butzer is a photographer from Lancaster, PA currently studying at Millersville University.

No music events are currently scheduled as Tellus360 works on plans to make the venue even better. Stay connected with them online, on Facebook, and on Twitter for news and updates about all things Tellus360.

Jason Mundok is a podcaster, blogger, and musician from Lancaster, PA. Along with Steve Carlson, Jason operates WoodStoveHouse.com, an online publication aimed at featuring the arts and those who make the arts happen in and around Lancaster, PA. Find Wood Stove House on Facebook and Twitter.